Eligibility and Guidelines

Eligibility

Applicants must be graduating from a high school in Martin County, Florida.
 
The scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic rigor, maturity, character, demonstrated leadership, and interview skills including: 
  • Poise & Self Confidence
  • Effective Communication
  • Professionalism
The recipient must be accepted to any accredited four-year college or university.
 
Recipients of military school scholarships are not eligible.
The timetable and guidelines of each high school are to be followed by applicants.
 
Summer - September: High school students are encouraged to explore the 'Scholarships Opportunities for Students' webpage with the Martin County School District, update their Xello profile, and prepare information required for scholarship applications.
 
October: Scholarship season begins for all high schools in Martin County. Students can explore scholarship opportunities in their Xello profile.
Information about the scholarship is available in Xello, however, students must fill out Nina Haven Scholarship application. Generic applications or applications for other scholarships will not be accepted.
 
December 31st: The deadline for high school seniors to submit their application for consideration.
 
January:  The Scholarship Committee of the NHS's Board reviews each application.
 
February: Interviews are scheduled with the ten students from each high school who receive the most votes during the review phase.
 
March:  NHS sends a list of recipients to Guidance Departments in each high school.
 
April:  NHS announces the selected scholars at each high school’s Scholarship Awards Night, usually 4-5 per school.
 
May: Nina Haven Scholars and their families are invited to celebrate their achievement at the Nina Haven Circle of Scholars Awards Reception. The event is typically hosted on a Sunday afternoon.
 
Each recipient becomes a part of the Nina Haven Circle of Scholars Alumni Network. 
 
*Copper Key Scholarship recipients are selected by the partners organizations, i.e., House of Hope, Nina Haven Scholarships, The Community Foundation of Martin-St. Lucie, and pre-identified referral partners*

Terms

Scholars are eligible to receive up to a $3,500-a-year scholarship and students may receive as much as $14,000 towards their education. Special consideration is given to students majoring in architecture, engineering and pharmacy which require additional schooling.
 
Scholars that receive a named scholarship, e.g., Frances Langford (Major in Arts) or Marjorie Peters (Major in Education), receive an additional $1,500-a-year and receive as much as $20,000 towards their college education.

Scholars are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA and 12 credit hours per semester. Official transcripts must be received annually prior to funds being disbursed the following academic year.
 
Students who graduate early may use remaining funds towards a graduate or professional degree program. In these cases, NHS holds funds for one-year. After this time has passed Nina Haven Scholars may apply for graduate scholarships, if they are available. 

Award Disbursements

Funds are disbursed annually prior to the student's attending semester each year. Funds are distributed directly to the university for as long as requirements are fulfilled.